Throughout April, those walking into the Mesa County Courthouse will be greeted by a pinwheel garden, planted for a cause.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Mesa County volunteers partnered with just over a dozen members of the Colorado Mesa University chapter of the Theta Xi fraternity to plant 300 blue and silver pinwheels in front of the Justice Center on Monday.
The pinwheel garden is intended to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, so having these pinwheels out here raises awareness that there’s lots of kids in Mesa County that are facing abuse and neglect on a daily basis and to help prevent that and raise awareness,” said CASA Executive Director Joy Thompson.
Thompson said Theta Xi Vice President Colin Christopher approached the nonprofit organization after learning about a fundraising partnership between a fraternity and CASA in a different state.
“They’re a great organization. I really love what they stand for. I wish we could do more, but I’m happy to come out and do this,” said Theta Xi President Jose Hernandez.
“This makes me so happy, seeing all of (my brothers) working together to do something bigger than us. I think a lot of people think of fraternities in a negative light, but we love to do things like this. This is sick.”
CASA and Theta Xi’s partnership will continue April 8-9 when the fraternity hosts Cakes for CASA on CMU’s campus. Theta Xi brothers will be on hand making pancakes with funds going to CASA, with other activities happening on-site.
“I actually just got in connection with the police and the GJPD said they would love to come and get pied at the event as well, so that will add a little more,” Hernandez said.
Mesa County Public Health is also recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month by highlighting the importance of prevention and the power of community support.
”Families come in all shapes and sizes, and every parent faces different challenges. That’s why it’s essential that we work together to ensure families in Mesa County have the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive.” a news release said.
“Prevention works best when it is a community effort,”Mesa County Department of Human Services Child Welfare Director Joe Kellerby said. “When neighbors, schools, businesses, and local leaders all work together to support families, we create an environment where children can grow up safe, supported and surrounded by opportunity.”
